Downton Abbey Tour
For six TV seasons and three films, Downton Abbey made Highclere Castle in Hampshire an icon of English aristocratic life. Still home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon, the estate opens to visitors on select days each year. The experience also includes Bampton, the Cotswolds village featured as Downton’s on-screen setting.
- Highclere Castle, the real Downton!
- Bampton, Oxfordshire, the real Downton village, including the church (St Mary’s), the pub (the Wheatsheaf), and Crawley House (the village pharmacy)
- Cogges Manor Farm in Witney, the real “Downton Cottage Hospital” and Yew Tree Farm
- Oxford, Christ Church College and the Bodleian Library
- Bath: the Pump Room, the Roman Baths, and the Royal Crescent
- London: Lancaster House (Downton Abbey’s Grantham House)
Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in London, Transfer to Hampshire
You’ll be met at Heathrow and driven 90 minutes south-west to a country-house hotel near Highclere Castle. The drive crosses the Berkshire downs and into Hampshire — the rolling agricultural country that frames Highclere itself.
Check into your hotel: a properly Edwardian-era country house, the kind of property the Crawleys would have visited for a weekend.
Highclere Castle: The Real Downton Abbey
Spend a full day exploring Highclere Castle, the historic estate made famous by Downton Abbey. Enjoy a guided tour of its elegant state rooms and iconic interiors, followed by time to discover the fascinating Egyptian Exhibition. Lunch can be enjoyed on the estate, offering a memorable experience in a truly remarkable setting.
Discover Highclere Castle’s fascinating connection to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb through its permanent Egyptian Exhibition. Afterwards, enjoy time to explore the estate’s beautiful parkland, lakes, and scenic walking trails. As Highclere opens to visitors on selected dates only, itineraries are tailored around availability to ensure the best possible experience.
Bampton: The Real Downton Village
Drive 90 minutes north-west to Bampton, in Oxfordshire, the actual village used for almost every “Downton village” scene in the series. Bampton is small. A single high street widens into a churchyard at one end and the village square at the other.
Step into the world of Downton Abbey with a guided visit to Bampton, the charming village that served as the backdrop for many of the series’ most memorable scenes. Enjoy lunch in a traditional village pub before continuing to Cogges Manor Farm, another filming location featured throughout the show. The day concludes with a scenic drive to Oxford for an overnight stay.
Oxford & Period Country Houses
Enjoy a morning exploring the historic city of Oxford, home to world-famous colleges, stunning architecture, and iconic filming locations. After lunch, visit the magnificent Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, and one of England’s most impressive stately homes. The day combines rich history, culture, and grand country-house elegance.
Continue to the idyllic Cotswolds and settle into one of England’s most picturesque regions. With its rolling hills, honey-coloured stone villages, and timeless rural charm, it provides the perfect base for a relaxing two-night stay.
Cotswolds Country-House Day
Enjoy a leisurely day discovering the charm of the Cotswolds, with visits to some of the region’s most picturesque villages, renowned for their honey-coloured stone cottages and timeless character. After lunch at a traditional country pub, continue to a historic country estate or castle, offering a fascinating glimpse into England’s aristocratic heritage and the world that inspired Downton Abbey.
For a truly special experience, enjoy an optional private Edwardian-style dinner at a charming country-house hotel in the Cotswolds. Inspired by the elegant dining scenes of Downton Abbey, this exclusive experience features a refined multi-course menu in a grand historic setting (available on request at additional cost). Overnight in the Cotswolds.
Bath: Spa, Crescent & A New Era
Travel to the elegant city of Bath, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured in Downton Abbey: A New Era. Explore the remarkable Roman Baths and enjoy lunch in the historic Pump Room before discovering Bath’s iconic Georgian architecture, including the magnificent Royal Crescent and the Circus. A perfect blend of history, culture, and timeless British charm.
Continue exploring Bath with a visit to the elegant Royal Crescent, one of Britain’s finest examples of Georgian architecture and a filming location featured in Downton Abbey: A New Era. Later, enjoy time at the Holburne Museum, renowned for its impressive art collection and connections to period dramas. Afterwards, return towards London for your final overnight stay, either in the city or near Heathrow Airport, depending on your departure plans.
London: Lancaster House & Departure
Enjoy a final morning in London, exploring the elegant St James’s district and its grand aristocratic residences. Highlights include Lancaster House, which served as the Crawleys’ London home in Downton Abbey, along with other distinguished landmarks linked to Britain’s royal and political history. A fitting conclusion to your journey through the world of Downton Abbey before your departure.
Conclude your Downton Abbey journey with a refined lunch in one of London’s prestigious private clubs or historic Mayfair hotels, evoking the elegance and sophistication of the Edwardian era. Afterwards, enjoy a private transfer to Heathrow Airport for your onward flight.
The Route
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